CAREER PROSPECTS IN GENETICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Good Day Jarus,

I write to say thank you and really do appreciate your career advice on your blog. As somebody who bought your book, THE ROAD TO VICTORIA ISLAND, though I’m not through with it, I have learnt a lot from it. I say thank you.

I am a student of a state university studying Genetics and Biotechnology, I very much love the course and haven read about it online and offline, and I know I’m on the right track. I even presented a paper on the Biotechnology Students Society of Nigeria ( BSSN ). However, I would like to ask about the opportunities about such in Nigeria. I do that Syngenta, Monsanto et al have offices in Nigeria, what about the medical aspect? How possible is it for one to enter other sectors ( Banking, Oil and Gas, Shipping, Consulting et al ) apart from its core sectors?

I do have an appreciable passion for entrepreneurship, I intend pursing that passion in the agricultural sector, livestock preferably. Howbeit, I believe one has to get the needed experience first.

Another Sir, my first year CPGA is 3.9/5.0. Is it still possible I can make a first class? Your articles really pushed my aim from being a 2.1 to get the best. I would to have you as a mentor.

Thanks for your anticipated response and God bless.

***

Dear UC,

Let me divide your questions into three parts.

1, CAREER PROSPECTS OF A BIOTECHNOLOGY GRADUATE

I passed this to my trusted friends who know more on the subject. Their response:

Lateef Olakunle, Bsc Ife; Msc University of West England

First thought; Nestlé Cadbury and relevant government agencies.

Rasaq Babatunde, Bsc Unilorin; Msc Ife

He has opportunities in Research Institutes both Federal and International, notable among them is FIIRO, NSPRI, IITA just to mention a few.

Sodiq Alabi, Bsc Unilorin

He has opportunities in Research Institutes both Federal and International, notable among them is FIIRO, NSPRI, IITA just to mention a few.

Abu Alfamin, who works in a foremost Research Institute

The course has prospect but only for those who have passion to make impact in value addition for life of humanity. You must be innovative and read all readables about the course, it is the future course of humanity in all its endeavour be it agriculture, health, environment and more. I advise that you try to have good grade and do your masters and must be passionate about innovation because you will be an innovator, while not forgetting your creator. The prospect of the course is that you work with international research institutes and some of these organizations even that pay in dollar. This is a future course and anybody that has it will control the direction of the world.

Adebayo Lamikanra, Professor of Pharmacy, OAU, Ile-Ife

Develop your mind by not only paying due attention to your course of stidies but also in other areas. You are not studying to get a cushy job in future but to train your mind appropriately. With a sound mind, the sky is the limit. Open your mind!

So, UC, you have heard from the horse’s mouth. I’m sure you have enough information to decide with from the thoughtful responses above.

2, ENTERING OTHER SECTORS

Yes, it is very possible. Just make you make a 2.1 at least. Most consulting and professional services firms don’t care about your course of study once you made a 2.1 and you are not above their age limit of usually 26 years. Same for many banks.

If that is the part you want to follow, just apply to entry level positions or graduate positions in these firms (PwC, KPMG, Ernst & Young, Accenture, Deloitte, Banks, etc).

3, ENTREPRENEURSHIP

If this is the part you want to tread, start thinking of opportunities to explore now. And yes, agricultural sector is still underexplored. Opportunities abound there. Experience is good, and I believe you will get that if you get opportunities to work in research institutes and other organizations highlighted in part 1 here. However, experience is not necessarily a prerequisite for entrepreneurship. If you have the funds, there is nothing wrong in starting off immediately you graduated.

4, MAKING FIRST CLASS

Yes, it is possible. Just do your simulation, write out all the courses you need to do from year 2 till you graduate and run assumptions so as to know what to target every semester to push your CGPA to First Class. For more on this, see our articles that treat the subject.

I wish you all the best.

***

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